Computer Angels Inc

After 8 years of volunteer computer education, Computer Angels has closed.

The volunteer activities commenced from a mailing list discussion at the Perth Linux Users' Group in 1998.

• Perth Users' Linux Group and a small group of committed PLUG members. This contribution included technical development for the Free and Open Source software that Computer Angels could provide and support at no cost and hosting of on-line web and mailing list services.


• Volunteers with an interest in computer literacy who offered either training to course participants or workshop preparation of computers.


• Volunteers who came to Computer Angels as participants and volunteered to contribute to assist others with computer literacy.


• Members of the public who donated surplus computer equipment that was the "raw material" for creating the Computer Angels computers that training participants took home.

Other than an initial income from a Work For The Dole programme Computer Angels was almost entirely self funded. WAIA provided a small sponsorship for two years. Income came from occasional sale days for surplus computers, agent commissions from Westnet, but mainly from charging a fee for the training courses. In some cases, support agencies subsidised the training fee for participants. In other cases people funded themselves as an opportunity to start learning about using computers.

The most enthusiastic participants in the Computer Angels literacy programme were people who were community volunteers themselves and understood the work and commitment of contribution back to the community.

Perth Linux Users' Group [ http://www.plug.org.au/ ] continues to share information and offers community support for Linux and Free and Open Source software. PLUG runs occasional Installfests which are an opportunity to install Linux onto your computer and to seek help from Linux enthusiasts with any tuning or configuration questions you may have.